Lauren Quaintance has been named the new chair of the ChristchurchNZ board, taking on a three-year term.

She succeeds Dr Therese Arseneau, the founding board chair, who stepped down on November 29 after eight years of service.

Arseneau retired during the sustainable economic development agency’s board meeting on Friday.

Quaintance, who has been part of the board since 2023, previously served as deputy chair and chair of the People and Culture Committee.

With leadership experience across domestic and international markets, she is known for her expertise in strategy, media, and the visitor economy.

“As someone who has chosen Ōtautahi as my home, I believe the city has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to maximise the investment in its new infrastructure and confirm Christchurch’s reputation as a place that people want to live, work, invest, and play,” said Quaintance.

“ChristchurchNZ’s ultimate goal is to drive sustainable economic growth for the city and help its people and businesses thrive now and into the future. I’m looking forward to supporting the board to guide the organisation as it continues to deliver exceptional value for the city’s ratepayers.”

Quaintance brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is an independent director on the boards of NZX-listed Turners Automotive Group, DPL Insurance, and the Crusaders. Her executive background includes roles such as Chief Media and Data Officer for Sky Television Limited and General Manager of Travel for Fairfax Media in Australia. She also co-founded a Sydney-based content marketing agency later acquired by News Corp.

Her expertise extends to the visitor economy, having developed digital marketing strategies for leading brands like Microsoft and IAG, and working with over a dozen destination marketing agencies, including Tourism NZ and Tourism Australia. In 2018, she was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year at the B&T Women in Media Awards in Australia. Quaintance holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University and is a Chartered Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors.

Outgoing chair Dr Therese Arseneau expressed pride in ChristchurchNZ’s achievements during her tenure.

“When ChristchurchNZ was formed by the Christchurch City Council, it was part of an intentional strategy to use all the levers the city had to attract people and build back better,” she said. “Now, Ōtautahi Christchurch is the most modern, future-proofed, and thriving city in New Zealand. Its momentum is growing, including leading the country in migration numbers for the past six years and growing businesses at twice the national rate.”

The appointment followed a competitive selection process conducted by Christchurch City Holdings Limited.